Health Discovered

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects an estimated 31 million people worldwide, yet remains widely misunderstood. How is it different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Why can it magnify symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and emotional distress—and how does that ripple into work, relationships, and identity? In this episode, we talk to Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP, author of Unlock Your Menopa...

Stillbirth affects thousands of families each year, yet misinformation persists. What are the risk factors, and how do disparities in care contribute? Heather Florescue, MD, FACOG, OBGYN at the University of Rochester Medical Center, sheds light on the psychological toll of stillbirth, the often-overlooked postpartum period, and steps to reduce risk during pregnancy and conception. We then spoke to Samantha Banerjee, E...

Feeling down from time to time is normal, but how can you tell when sadness is something more – like major depressive disorder? We spoke with Jessi Gold, MD, MS, the first chief wellness officer of the University of Tennessee system and bestselling author of How Do You Feel?, to unpack the complexities of depression. She breaks down the differences between temporary low mood and...

Stress often gets a bad rap, but did you know some stress is not just helpful—it’s essential for a longer, healthier life? We spoke with Sharon Bergquist, MD, physician, research scientist, and author of The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier, about the science behind beneficial stress. She explains how short bursts of the right kind of st...

Every year on March 30th, World Bipolar Day shines a light on bipolar disorder, a condition often misunderstood. But what exactly is bipolar disorder, and how does it differ from unipolar depression? We spoke with Holly A. Swartz, MD, professor of psychiatry and president of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, to break it all down. She explains the hallmark s...

While some pain is normal and a necessary signal for our bodies, there is also pain that can be persistent and chronic. What is the difference between acute and chronic pain? And why do our brains sometimes amplify discomfort? We spoke with Daniel J. Clauw, MD, director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan, about the complexities of pain management, how widespread and long-lasting pain is of...

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women, yet it remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. How can you know if you have endometriosis? Why is it often missed? And what treatments—both surgical and medical—can provide relief? We spoke with Lora Shahine, MD, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and OBGYN at Pacific North West Fertility, to break down its complexities – why symptoms vary, why it’s tough to det...

Migraine isn't just a bad headache – it’s a complex neurological condition that can leave you sidelined for days. What are certain triggers for migraine? What are the treatment options? We spoke with Cynthia E. Armand, MD, associate professor of neurology at Montefiore Medical Center, who helps us break down what makes migraine different from headaches, the certain triggers that can set off an attack, and how tracking symptoms can...

Genetic testing can be both illuminating and intimidating. What exactly is genetic testing, and who might benefit most? We spoke with Huma Q. Rana MD, MPH, Clinical Director of the Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, about the impacts of genetic insights, breaking down the process, addressing logistical hurdles, like gathering your...

Generational trauma is the psychological and physiological effects that trauma can pass down through generations of families. But is generational trauma a life sentence, or can it be overcome? In this episode, we explore its impact on mental health with James Longman – journalist, ABC News chief international correspondent, and author of The Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental Illness. He shares ins...

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. And it most commonly impacts older adults, with higher prevalence among men and African Americans. What are the symptoms and signs that are often subtle or overlooked, leading to delays in diagnosis? What treatment options are available for those diagnosed? In this episode spoke with...

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and complex mental health disorder marked by a distorted body image and an intense fear of weight gain. Often misunderstood, anorexia isn't about food or vanity – it stems from biological, psychological, and social factors and can affect anyone. What are the warning signs? And how can recovery be supported? We spoke with Kamryn Eddy, PhD, co-director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Progra...

Aging is a natural process, but how do we differentiate between normal changes and accelerated aging? What are the critical periods in life when significant health changes occur? Why do they happen, and how to navigate them for better aging outcomes? We spoke with Michael Snyder, PhD, professor in genetics at Stanford University, about groundbreaking research into the health profiles of people in their 40s and 60s, uncovering key f...

Resilience is key to thriving in life’s challenges, but what does it truly mean, and how can we build it? In this episode, we spoke with Tracey Marks, MD, psychiatrist and creator of the YouTube channel DrTraceyMarks, to explore emotional resilience—what it is, why it matters, and how it differs from simply “powering through.” Learn whether resilience is innate or developed, and discover practical strategies to strengthen it. From ...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. How does MS impact the body? What are the symptoms of MS? We spoke with Michael Levy, MD, PhD, to discuss risk factors, genetic and environmental triggers, and discussed the diagnostic tools, treatment options, like emerging stem cell therapies. Get practical tips on managing symptoms, maintaining mental health, and building a supportive netwo...

Resentment often emerges when we’ve pushed past our limits, sacrificing more than we’re comfortable with. How can this play out in co-parenting? And how can we redefine co-parenting as a partnership that builds community and support? We spoke with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, a modern love therapist and founder of Spoke Circles, about how resentment can reveal unmet needs and boundaries we’ve ignored and techniques to foster better com...

How does spirituality shape our emotional resilience, mental well-being, and physical health? And how can we practice strategies for integrating spirituality into daily life? In this end-of-year episode, we dive into the science of spirituality with Lisa Miller, PhD, professor at Columbia University, founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute and author of The Awakened Brai...

Cancer impacts millions of Americans each year, but there’s often a misconception the journey of cancer care ends when treatment ends. In reality, cancer survivorship is a lifelong experience. And there’s a multifaceted impact of a cancer diagnosis on our loved ones and ourselves. What are the challenges of navigating life post-cancer and treatment? And how can we utilize support in this journey? Donald Rosenstein, MD, psychiatrist...

As we age, many of us focus on mobility, but did you know vision is often the first sense to decline? What are the most common age-related eye concerns, and how can we maintain healthy vision at every stage of life? Jennifer Chinn, OD, a second-generation optometrist at Dr. Chinn’s Vision Care, shares expert advice on preserving eye health. From taking breaks from screens to protecting against UV rays and prioritizing annual eye ex...